Netherlands reduces cooperation in US Caribbean drug missions over rising strike fatalities

The Netherlands is reducing its participation in US-led anti-drug operations in the Caribbean.

This decision was taken in response to the increasing number of deaths during American strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

Speaking in Aruba on Monday evening, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that Dutch forces will continue the fight against drug trafficking in Dutch territorial waters, but will not use the navy’s “station ship” for anti-trafficking efforts on the high seas linked to the US Southern Spear Operation.

In the operation launched in September, more than 100 people were killed in more than 20 strikes conducted by the US against ships it claimed were carrying drugs.

“For years, we have been cooperating with the Americans on the fight against drugs, but in a different way. When we see drug trafficking, we try to arrest and prosecute those responsible. Not by shooting at ships,” Brekelmans said.

A spokesperson for the Dutch Ministry of Defence told POLITICO that cooperation with the US has not been completely severed, noting that the Netherlands has been “working with the US and other partners for years” through the “Joint Interagency Task Force South.”

The spokesperson stated that what has changed is the role of the Dutch station ship, which is currently being used to monitor the regional security situation rather than for drug operations.

“When necessary, it provides support to the Caribbean Coast Guard in anti-drug operations within the territorial waters of the Kingdom in the Caribbean region,” the spokesperson said.

Brekelmans clearly stated that the Netherlands would not provide facilities, helicopters, or any other kind of support if requested for Washington’s Southern Spear operation, which targets vessels allegedly carrying drugs north of the Venezuelan coast.

“Outside our territorial waters, we see that the Americans are now choosing a national route again. The method and operation currently implemented by the US are truly being carried out by themselves. We do not participate in this,” the spokesperson said.

This move comes after tensions escalated as the US increased pressure on Caracas, including potential actions to invade the country and kidnap Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, leading to rising international criticism regarding violations of sovereignty and international law.

Brekelmans stated that there is currently no military threat from Venezuela toward the Dutch Caribbean islands, but noted that increased tensions could affect regional stability.

“We must always be prepared for different scenarios,” Brekelmans said, noting that increased tension could affect airspace and regional stability.

CNN reported in November that London had suspended some intelligence sharing with the US after Washington launched attacks on boats in the Caribbean.